Configurable device and method for dispensing a substance

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to a device for dispensing a substance, in particular for self-administering a product fluid, wherein the device includes an operating system for controlling basic functions of the device and a memory unit for storing application-specific data, and encompasses a method for configuring the device.

PRIORITY CLAIM

[0001] This application is a Continuation of International Application No. PCT/CH01/00035, filed on Jan. 17, 2001, which claims priority to German Application No. DE 100 04 314.3, filed on Feb. 1, 2000, German Application No. DE 100 37 893.5, filed on Aug. 3, 2000, German Application No. DE 100 51 576.2, filed on Oct. 18, 2000, all of which are incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND

[0002] The present invention relates to a device and a method for dispensing a substance, for example, in one use or application, for self-administering a product fluid, e.g., insulin.

[0003] Devices for dispensing substances wherein the device is adapted and used for a specific application or use, such as insulin treatment, at a particular dose, are known. In such cases, due to the specific application modalities, it is necessary to produce different dispensing devices for different areas of application having different task specifications.

SUMMARY

[0004] It is an object of the present invention to provide a device and a method for dispensing a substance, wherein the device and method can be used for a multitude of areas of application having different task specifications. Another object of the present invention is to provide a device and a method for dispensing a substance, wherein the device and method can be used for a variety of task specifications in a single area of application.

[0005] It is an object of the invention to provide a device and method for dispensing a substance wherein the device can be conveniently adapted to dispense a selected quantity of a selected substance.

[0006] In one embodiment, the invention comprises a device for dispensing a substance, wherein the device includes an operating system for controlling functions of the device and a memory unit for storing data, and encompasses a method for configuring the device.

[0007] In one embodiment, the invention comprises a device for dispensing a substance, for example, in one use or application, for self-administering a product fluid, wherein the device includes an operating system for controlling functions of the device and a memory unit for storing application-specific data, and encompasses a method for configuring or programming the device.

[0008] In one embodiment, the present invention comprises a device for dispensing a substance, for example, in one use or application, for self-administering a product fluid, wherein the device includes an operating system for controlling basic functions of the device and a memory unit for storing application-specific data. The present invention encompasses a method for configuring the device.

[0009] The device for dispensing substances in accordance with the invention, which can be used for self-administering a product fluid, e.g., as an infusion or injection device in insulin treatment, comprises an operating system for controlling basic functions of the device. The operating system is preferably a program stored in a writable or read-only memory associated with the device, wherein the program can be executed by a suitable processor or controller. This operating system, which may be designated as a BIOS (Basic Input Output System), is read from the memory when the device is activated, e.g., as or after a battery is inserted or the device is switched on, in order to perform a booting routine of the device. The operating system may be permanently introduced into the device as a ROM, or may be inserted in the device in the form of chip cards or memory sticks, and controls for input/output operations. Furthermore, a memory unit for application-specific data is provided. The memory unit can, for example, store various data for configuring the device depending on the intended use of the device, and, in some embodiments, data can also be read from the memory unit.

[0010] Procedures can be provided in the operating system, whereby the memory unit can be written on or programmed, and deleted again. Furthermore, various other procedures, including basis operational procedures, can be included in the operating system, such as procedures for triggering a series or parallel interface via which the application-specific data can be read into the memory unit. The interface can be formed as an electrical interface or as an optical interface, e.g., for exchanging IR signals. In some embodiments, it may also be possible to exchange signals telemetrically, i.e., via radio. In some embodiments, output functions, including elementary output functions, e.g., for initializing and writing on or triggering an LCD, can be included in the operating system.

[0011] Thus, in one embodiment in accordance with the invention, a fixed program section is provided in the device which can control basic functions of the device, such as elementary input and output functions. Another program or data section is designed to be freely configurable, such that procedures and/or data determined for specific applications (or uses, e.g., for delivering a selected substance or a selected quantity or dose of a substance) can be stored in it. Thus, it is possible to use a dispensing device which comprises basic procedures or settings which are necessary or desirable for a multitude of areas of application, wherein application-specific data, such as data with respect to the form or geometry of an ampoule or carpoule, can be predetermined for a particular application. This is advantageous because ampoules which have different dimensions or geometry, different contents or substances at different concentrations may be used in a single dispensing device. Furthermore, data specific to administrating can be set or selected, to define a standard quantity to be dispensed, a maximum permissible quantity to be dispensed, menu-guiding procedures, functional tests, optical or acoustic outputs, and the like. Thus, in accordance with the present invention, a dispensing device is provided which comprises certain basic functions, wherein the dispensing device can be configured for specific applications using additionally input data. The ability to configure or parameterize a general dispensing device in this way enlarges the range of application or uses of the device, since the hardware of such dispensing devices can remain the same while the software or particular memory elements may be exchanged or adapted for specific applications or uses.

[0012] In one embodiment, the memory unit is preferably formed as a writable memory unit, e.g., in the form of a general read/write memory in the form of a RAM, a flash memory or an EEPROM. A series or parallel interface is advantageously provided, via which data for configuring the device in accordance with the invention can be written into the writable memory unit using, for example, on an optical path using infrared light, electrical signals or telemetrically.

[0013] The memory unit may be advantageously formed as a separate, external memory medium which can be a known chip card, a memory stick or an optical or magnetic memory medium. Such a memory medium is preferably provided with a reading device, such that a chip card can be inserted into the reading device in order to appropriately configure the device in accordance with the invention using application-specific data stored on the chip card.

[0014] In general, therefore, a writable memory, a memory medium which can be inserted, or a combination of these two memory systems can be used to configure a dispensing device wherein the device and the selected memory system comprises general hardware or software for specific applications. In some embodiments, using a memory which may be freely programmed via an interface or a memory medium which may be inserted for specific configuration advantageously increases operational reliability and the capacity for multi-functionality and plural uses. Also, in some embodiments, since the operator no longer has to set or input anything on the device itself, which in the case of older or visually-impaired persons could lead to problems, dosing reliability, constancy and repeatability is advantageously increased. In some embodiments, wherein a user has the option to program the operating system, both multi-functionality, reliability and repeatability are enhanced.

[0015] In some embodiments, a system for identifying and/or correcting errors in data input or data transmission is advantageously provided, in order to be able to largely rule out possible malfunctions of the dispensing device. In this way, in one embodiment, known error correction codes can be used when transmitting application-specific data.

[0016] In some embodiments, a dispensing device in accordance with the present invention may comprise input elements on the device, such as one or more input keys or a touch screen, which gives an operator the opportunity to check and, as appropriate, alter input data, to re-configure the dispensing device, and/or to set specific operational modes.

[0017] In some embodiments, an ampoule or carpoule to be introduced into the device in accordance with the invention is advantageously provided with an identification marking, e.g., in the form of a barcode, which can be read by a reading device associated with or preferably provided on the dispensing device in order to activate or modify particular basic settings of the dispensing device. In this way specific data for an ampoule or carpoule can be read into the dispensing device. Such data might concern the substance contained in the ampoule or carpoule, its concentration, the inner diameter of the ampoule, or the specific sliding friction of the substance contained in the ampoule. This information can be used for dosing or for detecting errors, wherein, for example, a predetermined inner diameter of an ampoule, together with a specific sliding friction of a substance contained therein, can be used to determine a limit value for a counterforce generated by the ampoule when the substance is dispensed, so as to detect the presence of a blockage. Furthermore, data concerning a quantity of air in the ampoule or a minimum ventilating time can for example be read. In general, all the information specific to an ampoule or carpoule can also be stored in the memory unit, without a reading process for an inserted ampoule being necessary.

[0018] With respect to the design of an ampoule comprising an identification marking or a suitable identifying element, as well as to the design of a corresponding sensor element, reference is made to the Applicant's German patent application “Behälter und Vorrichtung zur Verabreichung einer Substanz” [Container and Device for Administering a Substance] filed on Aug. 3, 2000, the teachings of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0019] In accordance with one embodiment of the method for configuring a dispensing device in accordance with the present invention, in particular for self-administering a product fluid, application-specific data are firstly input into the device, wherein the substance is dispensed in accordance with the application-specific data input. In this way, a dispensing device with predetermined hardware can be configured for a multitude of areas of application or use, without changing the hardware.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

[0020]FIG. 1 schematically depicts an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021]FIG. 1 depicts an exemplary embodiment of functional elements of one embodiment of the device for dispensing a substance in accordance with the present invention, wherein an operating system (BIOS) is stored in a ROM 12. Data for configuring the device can be written into the memory (RAM) 14 via an interface 16 connected to the operating system, wherein said data can also be retrieved from the memory and output to the interface or a display 18. Furthermore, specific data, e.g., configurations of the device, can be set via an input such as a keyboard 20. A reading device 22 connected to the operating system is able to identify a marking “M” attached to an ampoule 24 in order to be able to automatically activate particular settings specific to the ampoule, its contents and/or the use of the device. By way of an example, the marking “M” is shown in FIG. 1 as a barcode.

[0022] In the foregoing description a preferred embodiment of the invention has been presented for the purpose of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. Obvious modifications or variations are possible in light of the above teachings. The embodiment was chosen and described to provide the best illustration of the principals of the invention and its practical application, and to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to utilize the invention in various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. All such modifications and variations are within the scope of the invention as determined by the appended claims when interpreted in accordance with the breadth they are fairly, legally, and equitably entitled. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A device for dispensing a substance, in particular for self-administering a product fluid, comprising: a) an operating system for controlling basic functions of said device; and b) a memory unit operable coupled to the operating system for storing and reading in application-specific data.
 2. The device as set forth in claim 1, wherein said memory unit is a writable.
 3. The device as set forth in claim 1, further comprising an interface operably coupled to the operating system and the to the memory unit for communicating with said memory unit.
 4. The device as set forth in claim 1, wherein said memory unit comprises an external memory medium.
 5. The device as set forth in claim 4, wherein said memory unit comprises a chip card.
 6. The device as set forth in claim 4, wherein said memory unit comprises a memory stick.
 7. The device as set forth in claim 1, further comprising a reading device operably coupled to the operating system.
 8. The device as set forth in claim 7, wherein said reading device can read an external memory medium.
 9. The device as set forth in claim 1, further comprising an error identifying and correcting device operably coupled to the operating system.
 10. The device as set forth in claim 9, wherein said error identifying and correcting device is adapted to identify and correct at least one of input errors and transmission errors.
 11. The device as set forth in claim 1, further comprising a data input device operably coupled to the operating system.
 12. The device as set forth in claim 11, wherein said data input device comprises a keyboard.
 13. The device as set forth in claim 11, wherein said data input device comprises a touch screen.
 14. The device as set forth in claim 11, wherein said data input device is provided on said device.
 15. The device as set forth in claim 1, further comprising a reading device operably coupled to the operating system.
 16. The device as set forth in claim 15, wherein said reading device is adapted to identify an ampoule.
 17. The device as set forth in claim 16, wherein said reading device comprises a barcode reading device.
 18. A method for configuring a device for dispensing substances, comprising the steps of: a) inputting substance related data into said device; and b) dispensing said substance according to said substance related data.
 19. The method as set forth in claim 18, wherein said substance is contained in a container adapted for connection to the device and wherein said substance related data comprises container data.
 20. The method as set forth in claim 18, further comprising the step of identifying data errors as said substance related data is input.
 21. The method as set forth in claim 18, wherein said substance is contained in a container adapted for connection to the device and wherein said substance related data comprises at least one of container data, substance dispensing data and device operating data.
 22. The method as set forth in claim 21, further comprising the step of identifying data errors as said substance related data is input.
 23. The method as set forth in claim 21, further comprising the steps of identifying and correcting data errors as said substance related data is input.
 24. A method for configuring a device for use in self-administering a product fluid, comprising the steps of: a) inputting use-specific data into said device; and b) administering said product fluid according to said use-specific data.
 25. The method as set forth in claim 24, wherein said product fluid is contained in an ampoule adapted for connection to the device and wherein said use-specific data comprises at least one of ampoule data, product fluid administering data and device operating data.
 26. The method as set forth in claim 25, further comprising identifying and correcting data errors in said use-specific data. 